Ken Haskins
Greats break down barrier after barrier, accomplishing the impossible with the help of God. Apostle Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!”
At the first sight of opposition, many throw in the towel, but the greats press onward and upward with Christ. Again, Paul wrote, “One thing I do, forgetting what lies behind, I press ahead.”
Mahalia Jackson was the world’s greatest gospel singer and her life story is inspirational – a story of faith, hope and love. A granddaughter of slaves, Mahalia was born into poverty and raised during an era of racism and Jim Crow segregation. Obstacles were daunting, yet Mahalia found a home in the church and there she was immersed in an environment of faith, hope, and love.
Mahalia’s faith in Christ enabled her to persevere. Hope of heaven gave her an anchor for her soul. Love of Christ moved Mahalia to give her all in singing the gospel message.
While singing at Golden Gate Ballroom in Harlem, Mahalia was discovered by Art Freeman, talent scout for Apollo Records and she was offered a recording contract. After two unsuccessful releases, Bess Berman, chief executive of Apollo Records attempted to persuade Mahalia to sing the blues.
She refused and Berman was ready to cancel Mahalia’s contract. However, Freeman convinced Berman to give Mahalia another chance.
The third release, “Move On Up A Little Higher” was written by Rev. Herbert Brewster and was perfect for Mahalia. In an era when 100,000 sales were a success for a gospel single, “Move On Up A Little Higher” sold 2 million copies and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard charts in 1947. The song would become an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement.
From then on, Mahalia was a star. She recorded many hits and inspired a new category for the Grammy Awards: Gospel. Mahalia won the first Grammy Award for Gospel Music in 1962.
Mahalia appeared in five motion pictures. She performed the National Anthem at John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Ball in 1961. In 1963, Mahalia performed at the March on Washington and encouraged Martin Luther King to “tell ‘em about the dream!”
Mahalia Jackson would become a close friend of King. When he would need encouragement, he would phone Mahalia and she would sing to him. She would sing at King’s funeral too.
To this day, Mahalia is considered the greatest gospel singer ever. Faith, hope, and love continue to inspire – faith, hope, love and Mahalia, baby!
Ken Haskins is head pastor at First Christian Church in Carson City.